About Us
Southeast Wisconsin Community Organizations Active in Disasters (SEWI COAD) serves as a coordinating network for organizations working together to strengthen regional disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
Mission
SEWI COAD enhances community readiness through individual and organizational cooperation to support all-hazard preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.
Vision
We envision a widely recognized, continuously improving, and self-sustaining coalition of individuals and organizations working together within a flexible framework to coordinate the delivery of assistance to people and communities before, during, and after disasters in conjunction with and support of local government efforts.
American Red Cross of Wisconsin Volunteer, Dave Flowers, sets up an emergency shelter at a local senior center in Milwaukee during a winter storm.
Coordinate
Reduce duplication and
maximize outcomes
Communicate
Develop and maintain effective channels for sharing information
Collaborate
Work together to identify and overcome challenges
Cooperate
Identify common goals and create shared solutions
Who Can Join SEWI COAD?
SEWI COAD welcomes anyone with a role to play before, during, or after an emergency or disaster, including but not limited to: nonprofit groups, faith-based organizations, businesses, government agencies, public safety and security professionals, schools, colleges, and universities, and individual volunteers.
How We Operate
COAD partners meet quarterly to share information and engage in preparedness opportunities. During a disaster, SEWI COAD holds coordination calls to discuss needs and organize resources. The SEWI COAD approach is to leverage collective knowledge, resources, and expertise for a more effective disaster response.
COAD Leadership
COAD leadership consists of a Board of Directors, including positions of: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. This board is responsible for strategic planning, overseeing financial management, ensuring compliance with legal standards, and establishing policies that guide the organization’s operations.
- Board President: Natalie Meier, Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management
- Board Vice President: Satira Lord, Community Member
- Board Treasurer: Alex Freeman, Waukesha County Emergency Management
- Board Secretary: Grant Deal, Waukesha County Office of Emergency Management
- Benny Benedict, The Salvation Army of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan
- Bob Waite, IMPACT Inc.
- Bridget Gnadt, BioWatch
- Brooklynn Gray, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin
- Chris Litzau, Great Lakes Community Conservation Corps (CCC) & Veterans Corps
- Frani O’Toole, Milwaukee Health Department
- Gail Goodchild, Waukesha County Emergency Management
- Malysha MacFarland, American Red Cross
- Michelle Jones, Waukesha County Health & Human Services
Local
COADs are active at the most local, community level because all disasters start and end locally. They may work within a geographic area or community, such as a county, tribe, or region. To learn more about joining your local COAD, send us an email here.
State
In Wisconsin, local and regional COADs work with Wisconsin Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (WI VOAD) to support an integrated system of coordination. For more information, contact us here.
Regional
In Wisconsin, the Southeast Wisconsin COAD is the umbrella organization that connects local COADS. Local COAD members can participate in regional COAD activities, such as disasters that span county lines.
Nationwide
The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) serves as the coordinating body that connects state VOADs and their local COADs.
Local COADs Exist Across the Country
COADs are essential to the larger VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) network. This network encompasses the National VOAD, as well as 56 state and territory VOADs. By collaborating with their state VOAD, local COADs can gain valuable support and guidance from the resources and memberships available to them at the state and federal levels.
Additionally, local COADs connect with other county and regional COADs to share ideas, resources, and training throughout the disaster cycle. Working together as a unified force can make all the difference in building a more resilient and prepared community.
Have Questions?
If you'd like to learn more about joining your local COAD, get in touch with us!